Cloverdale community rallies together in support of Hillcrest swarming victim

Editor’s note: This article describes a disturbing violent incident involving teenagers which may be upsetting for some readers.

A 15-year-old girl who was attacked outside Hillcrest Elementary last week is receiving the support of her community through a drive-by rally and GoFundMe page.

After a disturbing video of a swarming attack at a Surrey school made rounds online, the Cloverdale community has rallied together to support the victim and take a stance against bullying.

The organizer who started a fundraiser for their niece, says “I’m hoping that our community and friends would like to come together not only to show [the victim] that we as a community stand with her and others who’ve been bullied but to show her compassion and love.”

Related stories:

• Teen arrested after Surrey swarming attack

• Vancouver Yaletown swarming attack caught on video

• Vancouver police issue bullying warning after teens swarmed, attacked

The GoFundMe is set at a $3,000 goal, which has already been surpassed by nearly double the amount.

“My ultimate goal would to be raise enough not only for possible counselling fees but to replace the things that were broken, stolen and damaged as well, and overall so maybe she and her mother can go treat herself to make her hopefully feel loved and cared about,” the organizer wrote on the fundraiser page.

The fundraiser is filled with comments supporting the victim and anti-bullying anecdotes.

A drive-by rally is also planned for Sunday morning at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, where one organizer says even the victim’s favourite singer will be in attendance.

The attack happened Saturday at around 9:30 p.m. outside Hillcrest Elementary School in Cloverdale.

In the video, several people are seen running after one teenager, as they screamed and swore at them.

The victim in the video is seen and can be heard crying, with a bloodied nose throughout the 1.5-minute clip. The group throws the teen’s shoe, as the victim backs away. The group continues to advance, calling the victim names.

Mounties say one youth was arrested however no charges were laid and the teen has since been released.

Meanwhile, the VPD says there appears to be a trend going around whereby teens swarm and assault others, video-taping the incidents in what investigators call “humiliating and demeaning bullying rituals.”